China Telecom 5G Technology White Paper

China Telecom 5G Technology
White Paper
June 2018
Content
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1
2 Requirements and Challenges ................................................................................. 1
2.1 Requirements of service development ...................................................... 1
2.2 Main Challenges ....................................................................................... 3
3 5G Target Network Architecture ............................................................................. 6
3.1 “Three Clouds” overall network architecture ........................................... 6
3.2 Control Cloud............................................................................................ 7
3.3 Access Cloud ............................................................................................ 8
3.4 Forwarding Cloud ..................................................................................... 8
4 5G Network Evolution Strategy.............................................................................. 9
4.1 5G network is key to CTNet2025 network transformation ...................... 9
4.2 5G evolution strategy and principles ...................................................... 11
5 5G Key Technologies and Networking Architecture ............................................ 14
5.1 New Radio .............................................................................................. 14
5.2 Massive MIMO ....................................................................................... 15
5.3 Spectrum ................................................................................................. 16
5.4 CU/DU RAN architecture ....................................................................... 17
5.5 Service-based architecture and capability exposure ............................... 18
5.6 4G and 5G interworking ......................................................................... 19
5.7 Multi-network convergence .................................................................... 21
5.8 Multi-access edge computing ................................................................. 22
5.9 Network slicing ....................................................................................... 23
5.10 5G bearer network................................................................................... 24
5.11 Artificial Intelligence-powered 5G ......................................................... 28
6 Summary and Prospect ......................................................................................... 29
Abbreviations ............................................................................................................... 30
©2018 China Telecom Copyright II

1 Introduction
The 13th Five-Year Plan outline of China puts forward requirement clearly about
“actively promoting the fifth-generation mobile communication (5G) and ultra-
wideband key technologies, launching 5G commercial use”. To implement such
proposals, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) re-emphasized in
its blueprint “Development Planning for Information and Communication Industry
(2016-2020)” released in January 2017 to support 5G standard research, technical trial
and commercial service, becoming one of the global leaders of 5G standard and
technology in the 13th Five-Year period.
5G is a basic platform for leading technological innovation, realizing industrial
upgrading and developing the new economy. As an operator of national information
infrastructure, China Telecom undertakes the important mission to implement network
power and 5G national strategy. China Telecom also adheres to the principle of market
driven and technology innovation driven, and focuses on technology, business and
operation innovation. It will ultimately facilitate transformation 3.0 strategy and
promote implementation of CTNet2025 network transformation, fulfilling the long-
term development of the enterprise.
China Telecom proposes evolution strategy and milestones, and explores new
construction scheme and operation model of 5G network based on service requirements,
future network architecture and main challenges in 5G development. China Telecom
will actively promote 5G business innovation combining with vertical industry and
build a robust 5G ecosystem. Driven by 5G innovation, China Telecom will further
push forward the development of “smart network, ecological business, intelligent
operation”.
2 Requirements and Challenges
2.1 Requirements of service development
The vision of 5G is to deal with the explosive growth of mobile data traffic,
1 ©2018 China Telecom Copyright

massive device connections, emerging business and application scenarios in the future.
5G will deeply integrate with vertical industry to achieve “Internet of everything” and
establish the foundation of digital transformation of society and economy.
ITU has defined three usage scenarios for 5G, including eMBB (enhanced Mobile
Broadband), mMTC (massive Machine Type Communication), and URLLC (Ultra
Reliable & Low Latency Communication). In fact, different scenarios always have
differentiated requirements on multiple key indicators, thus 5G needs to support the
customized combination of reliability, delay, throughput, positioning, billing, security
and availability. 5G should also manage the higher security risks associated with
“Internet of everything” by providing differentiated security services for diversified
usage scenarios and protect user privacy.
Typical applications of eMBB include ultra-high-definition video (UHDV), VR
and AR. These scenarios require key performance indicators including 100Mbps user
experienced data rate, dozens of Gbps peak data rate, dozens of Tbps data traffic density
per square kilometer, over 500km/h mobility, etc. Additionally, some interactive
applications are also time-sensitive, for example, the immersive experience of VR
demands 10 milliseconds level delay.
Typical applications of URLLC include auto-control, drone control and automatic
drive, etc. These scenarios are latency sensitive and require ultra-high reliability. The
latency requirements of automatic drive and industrial manufacture are millisecond
level and 10 milliseconds level respectively, with 5G network availability close to 100%.
Typical applications of mMTC include smart city, smart home, etc. These
applications in all walks of life require high and diversified connection density. For
metering application in smart city, the terminals must be low cost and low power
consumption, and the network should support massive small data packets. Video
surveillance not only has high deployment density, but also requires the terminal and
network to support high data rate. Smart home services are relatively insensitive to
delay, but the terminals need to adapt to drastic environmental changes.
©2018 China Telecom Copyright 2

2.2 Main Challenges
2.2.1 Challenges of radio chipset

Radio devices mainly include analog chipset such as baseband digital signal
processing unit, ADC/DAC, frequency converter, RF front-end, etc.
5G achieves higher throughput and lower user plane delay by adopting shorter
scheduling interval and faster HARQ feedback, which requires higher baseband
processing capability of 5G system and terminal, and consequently leads to more
challenges on the baseband chip technique.
5G supports higher frequency band, larger carrier bandwidth and more channels,
which also puts forward higher demands on analog devices, mainly including
ADC/DAC, power amplifier and filter. To support larger carrier bandwidth, ADC/DAC
requires higher sampling rate (such as 1GHz). To support frequency above 4GHz and
higher power efficiency, power amplifier needs to use GaN materials. The number of
filters increases correspondingly with the rapid increase of channels in the base station.
Consequently, the volume and weight of the filter should be further reduced by adopting
effective methods such as ceramic filter or miniaturization of cavity filter, etc.
The main challenge of analog chipset is lack of industry scale. The output
power/efficiency, volume, cost and power consumption of the new power amplifier, and
performance of the new filter cannot satisfy commercial requirement of 5G. Especially
for RF chipset and terminal chipset integrated with RF front-end, although certain
development and production capability have been achieved, further improvement is still
needed in terms of industry scale, yield rate, stability and cost-performance. As for
millimeter wave band in the future, the industry is required to make greater efforts to
meet the higher performance requirements of active and passive component.
2.2.2 Challenges of multi-access convergence

Mobile communication system has experienced rapid development from the first
generation to the fourth generation. The commercial network gradually forms a
complex situation of multiple radio technologies, diverse spectrum utilization and

different coverage, while long-term coexistence of multiple access technologies
become a prominent characteristic. In 5G era, several types of networks in an operator
will co-exist for a long time, including 4G, 5G and WLAN. How to efficiently run and
maintain different networks, reduce operation and maintenance cost, realize energy
conservation, and improve competitiveness become the problem that every operator
need to solve.
Mobile Internet and Internet of things will be the main driving force for mobile
communication in 2020 and future. How to collaborate and efficiently manage the
multi-access network, while satisfying the technical indicators and application
scenarios of 5G, becomes the main technical challenge of 5G multi-network
convergence.
 Challenge of network architecture. The multi-network convergence
architecture of 5G will consist of multiple radio access networks and core
networks, including 5G, 4G, WLAN, etc. How to make efficient architectural
design such as the choice of core network and access network anchor, while
reducing complexity of network upgrade and influence on existing network
should be studied.
 Challenge of traffic offloading. The traffic offloading mechanism in 5G multi-
network convergence requires to transmit user plane data flexibly and
efficiently in different access networks and minimize the impact on the
underlying transmission of each access network. Meanwhile, effective
offloading hierarchy selection is required according to scenarios and
performance, such as core network, IP or PDCP sublayer.
 Challenge of connection and mobility control. 5G has more complex
application scenarios, more access technologies, and higher mobility
performance requirements. Compared with 4G, the connection management
and control of 5G network need to be simpler, more efficient and more flexible.
2.2.3 Challenges of flexible network architecture

The service-driven 5G network architecture aims to flexibly and efficiently meet
diversified mobile service requirements, which pose challenges including network
functions, architecture, resources and routing. Based on NFV/SDN and cloud native
technology, 5G achieve virtualized and cloudified deployment. However, the container
standards are not yet clear and still in the initial stage. The 5G network cloudified
deployment must figure out how to meet the requirements of user plane forwarding and
provide sufficient isolation. Combining network modularization and control and
forwarding separation, service-oriented 5G network can be rapidly deployed according
to different service requirements, dynamically scale-in and scale-out, and lifecycle
management of network slices, such as end-to-end flexible network slicing, adaptive
scheduling of service routes and flexible allocation of network resources, and cross-
domain, cross-platform, cross-vendor, and even cross-operator services, all of which
pose great challenges to 5G network operation and management.
2.2.4 Challenges of efficient bearer technology

Compared to 4G network, 5G network bandwidth demand is increasing
exponentially. 5G scenarios impose high requirements on bearer network bandwidth,
latency, flexibility and cost. Reducing the cost of 25G/50G optical modules and WDM
transmission at the edge is a big challenge for bearer network. The millisecond-level
latency of URLLC service requires the flattening of the network architecture, the
introduction of the MEC, and the rational layout of the nodes, which is another
challenge for the bearer network. 5G cloud core network, edge computing and network
slicing lead to the requirements of connection flexibility for 5G backhaul network. How
to optimize routing and control to meet the requirements of forwarding flexibility and
easy operation and maintenance of 5G bearer network is the third challenge.
2.2.5 Challenges of terminals

Compared with 4G terminals, 5G terminals become more complex, having
diversified types and differentiated techniques. The initial form of 5G terminals is
dominated by mobile phones in eMBB, and the planning for the remaining scenarios
(such as URLLC and mMTC) will gradually become clear with the maturity of the
standard and industry.
The multiband access with large bandwidth and high-performance indicator
present new challenges on antenna, RF and other aspects of terminals. Considering user
experience, 2T4R is preferred as the basic scheme of the transceiver in sub-6GHz. The
antenna design should be optimized to solve issues of terminal space and antenna
efficiency issues caused by the increasing number of antennas. Hardware and algorithm
of RF front-end chipset should be optimized according to5G new features (such as high
frequency, large bandwidth, new waveform, high emission power, low power
consumption, etc.), and development of the RF front-end industry chain should be
further promoted.
3 5G Target Network Architecture
3.1 “Three Clouds” overall network architecture
The future network will become more flexible, agile, converged and open. “Three
Clouds” is an abbreviation for logic architecture of 5G network and includes three logic
domains: Access Cloud, Control Cloud and Forwarding Cloud, as shown in Figure 1.
Value added
Infrastructure services
Flow control Data/info
Network capability exposure
5G Virtualized
Control Cloud
Radio resource Policy Routing
control Control Management
MANO
Control
Mobility Information Legacy network
Data Management Management Adapter ...
Traditional network
Xn Network controller elements(3G/4G)
5G control infrastructure
CDN
MEC
macro
Local control
Local control
UDN 5G Switch
Multi-hop 5G
S-RAN Switch Service Enabler
Internet
WiFi
pico /PDN
D2D Service Enabler
Multi- HEW
V2V M2M WiFi 5G Switch
connection
CDN
5G Virtualized Access Cloud 5G Virtualized Forwarding Cloud
5G access infrastructure 5G forwarding infrastructure
Figure 1 “Three Clouds” Network Logic Architecture
5G network based on “Three Cloud” will be flexible and converged. Control Cloud
will have functions such as policy control, session management, mobility management,

policy management, information management, service-based capability exposure, and
realize customized network and service. Access Cloud will support smart radio access
for users and efficiently converge multiple access technologies. Edge computing
capability is also provided. Forwarding Cloud will effectively forward and transmit
different traffic and ensure end-to-end quality of services based on path management
and resource scheduling of Control Cloud. “Three Clouds” 5G network architecture is
inseparable and collaborative and can be implemented on the basis of SDN/NFV.
3.2 Control Cloud
Control Cloud achieves control function of 5G network and controls Access Cloud
and Forwarding Cloud. Control Cloud consists of several virtual network control
function modules, including access control management module, mobility management
module, policy management module, user information management module, path
management/SDN controller module, security module, slice selection module, capacity
exposure module, corresponding network resource orchestration, etc. These function
modules are logically similar to the control network elements of the mobile network
which complete mobile communication process and control service. But in
implementation, these function modules are based on virtualization technology, which
optimize the relationship between network functions and achieve network control and
bearing separation, network slicing and service-based architecture, etc.
Network capability exposure module is the core for 5G network to open to third
party. The modular and slicing techniques, centralized network control and data
resources of 5G network benefit network exposure.
5G network resource orchestration module is the core of virtual resource
management and control which includes three sub-modules: orchestrator, VNFM and
VIM. This module provides a manageable, controllable and operable environment for
5G network under virtualized environment.

3.3 Access Cloud
In future mobile communication system, a variety of wireless access systems will
coexist for a long time. In view of diverse service characteristics, it is needed to consider
service requirements, network state, user preferences and terminal capability to carry
out differentiated data transmission and bearer policy, including flexible scheduling and
distribution, traffic offloading, aggregation, etc. Therefore, the balance between system
resource utilization and service quality will be guaranteed. Access Cloud of 5G will be
a network of multi-topology forms, multilevel types and dynamic, which can provide
centralized, distributed or layered deployment. It also provides high data rate, seamless
handover and extremely user experience through flexible radio access technology.
Deployment of 5G radio network should consider multiple factors such as service
application properties, network features and network environment conditions.
The requirements of Access Cloud function include new radio access technology,
flexible resource collaboration management, complete across-system convergence,
radio network virtualization, edge computing and radio network exposure. Based on
centralized access control module, 5G network can build a fast, flexible and high-
efficient collaboration mechanism to integrate different radio access technologies and
improve the resource utilization of the mobile network.
3.4 Forwarding Cloud
As 5G core network realizes the complete separation of control plane and data
plane, Forwarding Cloud only focuses on the high-speed forwarding and processing of
the data flow. Forwarding Cloud logically consists of high-speed forwarding unit and
service enabling units. In traditional network, service enabling unit is chain-type
deployed behind gateway. In Forwarding Cloud of 5G network, service enabling units
and forwarding units are deployed in mesh architecture and collectively receive path
management and control. Forwarding Cloud will achieve flexible selection between the
forwarding unit and service enabling units according to both the centralized control of

Control Cloud and service requirements, with software defining the forwarding path of
the traffic.
Additionally, Forwarding Cloud can reduce service delay and improve user
experience through caching top contents according to the cache policy of Control Cloud.
To improve data processing and forwarding efficiency, Forwarding Cloud will report
network state information to Control Cloud for centralized optimization control. In
view of the propagation delay between Control Cloud and Forwarding Cloud,
Forwarding Cloud needs to locally process some latency-sensitive events.
4 5G Network Evolution Strategy
4.1 5G network is key to CTNet2025 network transformation
Based on key technologies including SDN, NFV, and cloud computing,
CTNet2025 strategy aims to build a simple, agile, intensive, and open network
architecture. CTNet2025 is a unified architecture of fixed network and mobile network.
5G network as the evolution of mobile network is an important part of the CTNet2025
network transformation, and it is also the best opportunity for realizing CTNet2025
network architecture.
The design of the 5G core network incorporates the ideas of SDN, NFV, and cloud
computing, and has the characteristics of separation of control plane and user plane.
The control plane adopts a service-based architecture and virtualization implementation.
Based on a unified NFVI resource pool, virtual machine or container over virtual
machine are used to achieve cloud deployment and flexible scale-in and scale-out. It is
also convenient and flexible to provide network slicing. Edge computing can be
implemented by moving UPF to the edge and virtualizing applications. UPF can be
implemented based on general hardware (x86 servers) or dedicated hardware.
In terms of 5G RAN, DU can hardly be virtualized and CU virtualization is
difficult and costly in the short-term. Thus, applying dedicated hardware is more
reasonable. In the long term, with the development of NFV technology, CU

virtualization can be considered in accordance with the requirements of service and
network evolution.
5G network achieves co-arrangement with other networks and capability exposure
through a unified coordination and orchestration layer of the entire network.
5G network should make use of the advantages of fixed network resources and
leverage fixed mobile convergence to enhance its competitiveness.
 Fixed and mobile network resources sharing is implemented by overall
planning of access sites, optical fiber cable network and other infrastructures
to reduce the difficulty of 5G deployment. China Telecom will make full use
of existing broadband access offices to deploy OLT, 4G BBUs, 5G DU/CU
and other access layer equipment, so as to form full-service access offices.
China Telecom will utilize the optical fiber cable network resources based on
comprehensive consideration of the requirements of fixed broadband and 5G
RAN bearer.
 For virtualization of fixed network and mobile network, China Telecom will
comprehensively plan and construct NFVI resource pools to enhance the
flexibility of virtualized network element deployment and NFVI resource
utilization. China Telecom will utilize the advantages of central offices and
access offices to introduce NFVI on-demand, and provide computing, storage,
and offload functions to support 5G edge computing, virtualized mobile
network functions (such as UPF), and potential virtualized fixed network
functions.
 China Telecom will construct a unified coordination and orchestration layer
for fixed and mobile networks to achieve cross-vendor, cross-domain, cross-
network, cross-SDN/NFV, cross new and legacy networks coordination, and
to support flexible service provisioning and unified capability exposure of
fixed and mobile networks.

4.2 5G evolution strategy and principles
Judging from the laws of the development of mobile communication technologies,
the evolution of 5G technologies and industry chains requires a long-term process. It is
expected that 4G will coexist with 5G network for a long time. In the future, 5G network
will be combined with new capabilities such as cloud computing and IoT to meet the
requirements of vertical industries. 5G will create huge business opportunities in the
areas of electric power, logistics, banking, automotive, media, healthcare, smart city,
etc. In the future, China Telecom can accurately focus on the target markets and
effectively increase 5G ROI.
China Telecom's network evolution strategy will comprehensively consider factors
such as service requirements, user experience, maturity of technologies, terminal
ecosystem, and construction cost.
 Multi-network convergence principle: 4G, WLAN and 5G are expected to
coexist for many years, which can meet diversified demands and provide
seamless service to users.
 Phase-by-phase migration principle: large-scale and frequent network
upgrades should be avoided, and stable network operation should be
guaranteed.
 Cost efficiency principle: the cost should be considered when choosing 5G
technologies and solutions. In addition, it is necessary to make full use of
existing resources for network construction and achieve fixed mobile
convergence to form a differentiated competitive advantage.
4.2.1 General strategy of 5G

In the initial stage of 5G network construction, the development of 5G not only
needs to fulfil requirements of emerging services and scenarios, but also should fully
consider the compatibility with 2G, 3G and 4G networks. China Telecom’s 5G network
evolution strategy is divided into two phases: the near-term (for commercial 5G service
in 2020) and the mid-to-long-term (for CTNet2025 network transformation). Facing

diverse requirements of services, 5G will realize application-aware multi-network
collaboration and fixed mobile convergence. China Telecom will promote the
application of AI in 5G network management, resource scheduling, energy conservation,
and edge computing to provide a smart 5G network.
4.2.2 Wireless network evolution strategy

 SA 5G NR is preferred, considering the network evolution, legacy network,
service capabilities, terminal performance and other factors.
 In the early stage of 5G, based on the SA network architecture, CU/DU
integration solution is adopted with characteristics of low deployment cost,
low latency, low-complexity operation and maintenance, and short
construction period.
 According to the actual scenarios and requirements, 64-port 192-oscillator
massive MIMO is preferred at traffic hotspots to increase system capacity and
coverage.
 In the mid-to-long term, the network will be upgraded on-demand to support
URLLC and mMTC, and the CU/DU split architecture will be introduced in
due course.
4.2.3 Core network evolution strategy

 5G network will adopt the SA solution and coordinate 4G and 5G through the
core network interworking. In the early phase, eMBB use cases will be
primarily focused.
 5G core network will utilize service-based architecture and cloudified
deployment. Control plane is centralized to globally schedule user plane
resources. User plane can be moved to the edge on-demand and distributedly
deployed. 5G core network should support following features.
 End-to-end network slicing to achieve the matching of networks and
different service types, and the individual requirements of vertical
industry.

 Edge computing to support low-latency high-traffic local services. User
identification, billing, and auditing issues of edge computing in 4G
network need to be solved. China Telecom must be well prepared for
innovative edge computing revenue model.
 The 5G core network must have the ability to provide voice service. In the
initial stage, it will adopt the solution of 5G fall back to 4G and provide voice
service through VoLTE.
 With the evolution and improvement of standards and technologies, the 5G
core network will be upgraded to support mMTC and URLLC scenarios. As
multi-network convergence technology and industry well developed, 5G core
network shall support the unified management and authentication of multiple
access, data concurrency or data scheduling among multiple access networks,
and service continuity.
4.2.4 Bearer network evolution strategy

 The 5G bearer network should follow the principles of fixed mobile
convergence and comprehensive bearer. It should be considered in
conjunction with the construction of fixed broadband network. The optical
fiber cable network is regarded as the unified physical infrastructure for fixed
and mobile network. Resources such as telecom rooms and bearer equipment
should be shared as much as possible to achieve rapid deployment at a low
cost and form a differentiated competitive advantage for China Telecom.
 The bearer network should meet the requirements of high data rate, low
latency, high reliability, flexibility and high-precision synchronization of the
5G network, and support network slicing.
 In the scenario where the optical fiber resources are sufficient or the CU/DU
is deployed distributedly, the 5G fronthaul will mainly use point-to-point
optical fiber connection, and the BiDi technology should be adopted. In the
scenario where the optical fiber resources are not sufficient and CU/DU is

concentratedly deployed, a bearer solution based on WDM may be adopted,
which includes passive WDM, active WDM/M-OTN, and WDM PON.
 For 5G backhaul, in the early stage, considering that the traffic is relatively
light, relatively mature IPRAN solution is suggested. Later, based on the
service development, OTN can be used in heavy traffic areas. PON technology
can be used as a supplement in some scenarios.
 Commercialized equipment can be used to meet 5G backhaul requirements in
the early stage. SR, EVPN, FlexE/FlexO interface, M-OTN and other new
features shall be gradually introduced. Backhaul access layer will introduce
higher data rate (such as 25G/50G) interfaces as required. In the mid- and
long-term, to meet the need of 5G scale deployment, China Telecom will build
a backhaul network with high data rate, ultra-low latency, intelligent
controlling based on SDN and network slicing capability.
5 5G Key Technologies and Networking Architecture
5.1 New Radio
The overall protocol of NR is based on LTE with enhancement and optimization.
For user plane, SDAP sublayer is added, while functions of PDCP and RLC sublayer
are optimized to reduce delay and enhance reliability. For control plane,
RRC_INACTIVE state is added to RRC sub-layer, which benefits the energy saving of
terminals and reduces the control plane delay. In the physical sublayer, the design of
NR reference signals is optimized, and more flexible waveform and frame structure
parameters are adopted to reduce overhead. The design of NR protocol is forward
compatible and meets the requirement of diverse usage scenarios.
NR adopts LDPC code which can be parallel decoded for data channel, and mainly
uses Polar code for control channel for eMBB. The channel coding adopted by NR has
better theoretical performance with lower delay and higher throughput.
Different from LTE uplink, which only uses DFT-S-OFDM waveform, NR uplink
waveform could be adaptively transformed between CP-OFDM waveform and DFT-S-

OFDM waveform according to channel state. CP-OFDM waveform is a multi-carrier
transmission technology with more flexible scheduling. It is suitable for cell center
users due to the better link performance in high signal-to-noise ratio environment.
Compared with LTE adopting relatively fixed air interface parameters, NR designs
a set of flexible air interface parameters to adapt various usage scenarios through
different parameter configurations. Different subcarrier spacing can realize slot/mini-
slot with different length. The symbol in a slot/mini-slot includes downlink, uplink and
flexible symbol with static, semi-static or dynamic configuration.
NR cancels the cell-level reference signal CRS in LTE while keeping the UE-level
reference signal DMRS, CSI-RS and SRS, and introduces PTRS for the phase noise in
the high frequency scenario. The main reference signals of NR only transmit in the
connection mode or scheduling occasions, which reduces the energy consumption and
networking interference and is more suitable for the multi-antenna port transmission of
massive MIMO system.
From the perspective of 3GPP protocol, the design of NR air interface is flexible.
However, considering the terminal implementation and networking complexity, it is
necessary to refine out a simple and feasible solution according to usage scenarios and
frequency resources in actual deployment.
5.2 Massive MIMO
5G base station will support large-scale antenna array with hundreds of antennas
and dozens of antenna ports, and through MU-MIMO technology to support spatial
multiplexing transmission with larger capacity. The 5G system spectrum efficiency and
user experience in the large capacity scenario with high user density are improved.
Massive MIMO system can also control the phase and amplitude of transmission or
reception signal in each antenna channel and produce directional beams. Consequently,
beamforming gain is achieved which can be used to enhance cell coverage.

Fiugre 2 Massive MIMO Technology and Test
Large-scale antenna array can also be used for millimeter wave, through
beamforming, beam scanning, beam handover technologies to compensate additional
transmission loss. Massive MIMO also needs to use digital-analog hybrid architecture
to reduce the number of millimeter wave RF elements.
Massive MIMO enables higher performance, but the cost, volume and weight of
large-scale antenna also increase significantly compared with traditional passive
antenna. From the perspective of the operator, China Telecom has completed research
and test of the first modular massive MIMO prototype, focusing on problems such as
large volume, heavy weight, difficult to test, deploy and maintain, etc. The modular
large-scale antenna can easily compose different forms for diverse usage scenarios and
reduce operation cost with advantages of easy installation, deployment and
maintenance. Currently, 3GPP organization has completed the codebook design of
modular large-scale antenna and will push forward industrialization of massive MIMO.
China Telecom is more inclined to use 64-port massive MIMO with 192 oscillators to
satisfy higher capacity, due to the 1.7dB coverage enhancement compared with 128
oscillators.
5.3 Spectrum
In the 5G era, spectrum resources will be more insufficient. According to the
features of frequency bands, sub-6GHz spectrum will meet both demands of coverage
and capacity, which are a tradeoff between peak data rate and coverage.
At present, 14 countries/regions have announced plans to auction or allocate sub-
6GHz spectrum bands, and 6 countries/regions have announced plans to auction or
allocate above 6GHz spectrum bands.
Table 1 Planned 5G spectrum auctions/allocatoins (GSA 2018/1)
Frequencies proposed or being

(formally) Country/Region
considered, or licensed for 5G
Australia, Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong,
Latvia, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, South
Sub-6GHz
Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United
Kingdom, United States
Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Poland, South
Above 6GHz
Korea, United States
Sub-6GHz bands are relatively more mature in the standardization and industrial
chain, which will benefit the deployment of 5G network in the early stage. China
Telecom is actively participating in research on the expansion of the 5G spectrum bands.
5.4 CU/DU RAN architecture
To carry 5G applications, the functionality of the 5G BBU will be reconstructed
as two functional entities: Centralized Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU). RF unit,
some baseband physical layer functions and antennas form AAU. The innovative
design could better facilitate radio access network (RAN) virtualization.
According to 3GPP, radio protocol functions above PDCP are provided in CU and
radio protocol functions below PDCP are provided in DU. CU and DU as RAN logical
function nodes can be mapped to different physical entities or one physical entity.
CU/DU split is good for small packet mMTC service, but standardization procedure has
not yet started. In terms of CU/DU deployment strategy, China Telecom will deploy co-
located CU/DU in the initial stage with benefits of fewer network elements, lower
complexity of planning and operation, faster construction, lower cost deployment and
smaller latency. In the long run, according to the requirements of the service scenarios,

it may gradually evolve to an architecture of three layers of separated CU/DU/AAU.
Therefore, co-located CU/DU equipment is required to be modular designed, which is
easy to realize a CU/DU split architecture in the future. At the same time, issues such
as improving general platform forwarding capabilities, coordinating with existing
network management, and further optimizing of the mobility management standard
process under the CU/DU separation scenario need to be resolved.
The interface between DU and AAU is varied among vendors, which is hard to be
standardized. Currently, there are two main deployment solutions: CPRI and eCPRI.
With the traditional CPRI interface, the fronthaul data rate requirement is basically
linear with the number of AAU antenna ports. Taking 100 MHz/64-port/64QAM as an
example, 320 Gbps is required. Even considering 3.2 times compression, the data rate
is over 100 Gbps. With the eCPRI interface, the data rate requirement is basically linear
with the number of flows supported by the AAU. Under the same conditions, the data
rate requirement will drop below 25 Gbps. Therefore, the eCPRI is preferred for DU
and AAU interfaces.
5.5 Service-based architecture and capability exposure
5GC architecture introduces some new features to achieve flexible, efficient and
open network, including control and forwarding separation, modular design of network
functions, service-based interface, enhanced capability exposure, etc.
5GC achieves complete separation of control plane and user plane. The control
plane can be centrally deployed and allows global scheduling of forwarding resources.
The user plane can be centrally deployed or distributedly deployed on demand.
Meanwhile it realizes local traffic offloading and support millisecond level end-to-end
latency when deployed close to network edge.

NSSF NEF NRF PCF UDM AF
Nnssf Nnef Nnrf Npcf Nudm Naf

Nausf Namf Nsmf
AUSF AMF SMF
N2 N4
UE (R)AN N3 UPF N6 DN
Figure 3 5G Service-based Architecture
5GC introduces serviced-based design to describe network functions of control
plane and interface intercommunication. Service module can independently register,
publish and discover to avoid the complex intercommunication in traditional tight-
coupled module. 3GPP specification adopts TCP/TLS/HTTP2/JSON protocol to
enhance flexibility and scalability of the network.
Enhanced service environment of capability exposure is one of the 5GC new
features. NEF is the basic network function of capability exposure. NFV-based
orchestration capability is an important capability set in 5G network while orchestration
capability exposure can be used for 5G business model innovation.
The introduction of service-based architecture also brings new challenges. For
example, it is more complex to manage 5GC due to flexible service orchestration and
more accurate collaboration management. Compared with traditional
intercommunication protocols, service-based interface has larger overhead, more
frequent interactions caused by state-less processing, and increased delay, IO and
processing load. The increased functions of 5GC network elements makes it more
difficult to debug and verify the interface.
Further research will focus on 5GC networking scheme of supporting multi-access
convergence and evaluate the performance of 5GC with service-based architecture.
5.6 4G and 5G interworking
3GPP proposed a variety of 4G and 5G interworking solutions, including 5G SA
and 5G NSA. The full Release 15 specification is frozen in June 2018. In SA, 5G NR
is accessing 5GC with control signaling independent of 4G network, and 4G and 5G
networks are coordinated through core networks. 5G SA provides new features
including network slicing, MEC, flexible session and dynamic QoS. For 4G network,
MME must be upgraded to support N26 interface. 4G base stations need to be
configured with 5G handover parameters. 4G and 5G base station vendors can be
different. terminals are not required to support dual connectivity.
NSA utilizes the existing 4G base station as an anchor for control signaling, and
core network can be EPC or 5GC. In NSA network, vendors must be the same in the
same area, and terminals must support dual connectivity.
The release of NSA based on EPC is finalized in December 2017, which does not
support network slicing, MEC and other features. EPC needs to be upgraded to support
the requirements of 5G access. 4G base station needs to be upgraded to support X2
interface between 4G and 5G base stations. The release of NSA based on 5GC will be
frozen in December 2018. In this case, 5G network can support network slicing, MEC
and other new features. 4G base station needs to be upgraded to support 5G protocol.
The selection of 4G/5G interworking solution should consider network
construction plan, user experience, service capabilities, terminal ecosystem and
complexity of networking.
 5G will eventually move to SA. Both SA and NSA support 4G and 5G
interworking but choosing SA can avoid frequent network upgrade.
 SA network requires less upgrade. NSA based on EPC requires frequent
network upgrade to evolve to SA. For NSA based on 5GC, LTE eNBs need to
be upgraded to eLTE. In this case, 4G and 5G dual connectivity is hard to be
realized between different vendors.
 SA network can provide more new services. Network slicing, MEC and
customized user experience for enterprise and vertical industries can be
provided.
 Terminal for SA network is lower-cost. In NSA network, terminal will be more
difficult to design and expensive to mitigate serious interference at 3.5GHz.

In SA network, terminals are easier to be manufactured with lower cost.
Based on the above facts, China Telecom is more inclined to adopt the standalone
route, with 5G and 4G co-existing for a considerable period.
Given the difficulty of 5G full national coverage in the early stage, VoLTE solution
will be used to guarantee voice service continuity when SA-based 5G fall back to 4G.
Then, VoNR solution may be considered when 5G coverage is good enough and
profitable business models emerge.
5.7 Multi-network convergence
As a network with convergence of multiple access technologies, 5G should follow
multi-network collaboration principle. That is, 5G, 4G, WLAN and other networks
jointly achieve indoor and outdoor network collaboration while avoiding interruption
and missing of current network services.
In traditional multi-network convergence, the control entity is in core network and
realizes fundamental convergence capabilities such as unified authentication, billing
and handover management, etc. However, access network only provides auxiliary
convergence policy information and network selection of terminals only depends on
radio signal strength. It is difficult to implement flexible selection of network based on
dynamic network information (e.g. network load, link quality and backhaul load) or
service types.
China Telecom has carried out research on “application awareness interworking
between LTE and NR”, by allowing full play to 5G advantages and effectively
exploiting existing 4G investment to maximize network value while guaranteeing
service capability and user experience. From the perspective of network evolution and
user experience, it is proposed to perceive applications and user QoE to select, handover
or reselect 4G/5G network. China Telecom will aggressively promote 5G network
evolution based on application aware.
5G and WLAN convergence can adopt converged architecture in access network.
That is, WLAN accesses to 5G RAN and forwards traffic to UE. WLAN can also access
to 5G core network and obtain user data directly. Additionally, compared with the
seamless coverage of 4G, 5G will be coverage limited in initial deployment. Further
research should be focus on connection enhancement method of 5G and WLAN
convergence.
5.8 Multi-access edge computing
By moving capability of computing, storage and service to network edge, MEC
enables application, service and content to achieve localized, close-to-user and
distributed deployment. Meanwhile, MEC fully exploits network data to perceive and
analyze network context and open these contexts to the third party applications,
effectively improving network intelligence level and promoting the deep convergence
of network and service.
Multiple networks such as mobile and fixed network will co-exist in 5G era. To
relieve the pressure on backhaul caused by network traffic and ensure the same user
experience among multiple networks, China Telecom will construct a unified MEC to
achieve edge convergence of fixed and mobile network by exploiting the advantages of
existing fixed network resources (transmission and CDN), as shown in figure 4.
Figure 4 FMC-oriented MEC architecture
MEC needs to support multiple access simultaneously such as mobile network,
fixed network, WLAN etc. The edge gateway of 5G network can be achieved through
moving UPF to the edge of the local network. The platform can flexibly route traffic to
different networks according to service types or requirements, which can relieve the
burden of backhaul and realize the FMC-oriented multi-network collaborative bearer.
Meanwhile, it improves user experience among multiple networks and achieves

intelligent distribution of content by sharing the edge CDN resources between multiple
networks. Additionally, MEC provides deployment and operation environment for
localization of new applications with low latency, large bandwidth and high
computation complexity and meets the requirements of unified communication and
customized services of the enterprise.
For URLLC services, MEC should be closer to network edge to minimize the
transmission delay to millisecond level.
MEC deployment policy should depend on delay and coverage demands of
applications and deploy MEC on the appropriate hierarchy of the data center, including
metropolitan core DC, edge DC and even access office.
5.9 Network slicing
Network slicing is a key enabler for 5G network. China Telecom will use logical
or physical multi-grained network slicing to meet the specific needs of different
business models and vertical industries.
A network slice is an end-to-end logical subnet. It requires coordination of core
network (control plane and user plane), RAN, IP bearer network, and transport network.
Network slices can use isolated resources and/or shared resources. The control plane
for network slicing is deployed in a service-based architecture. According to the service
requirements for forwarding performance, the user plane uses software forwarding
acceleration and hardware acceleration to achieve the balance of user plane deployment
flexibility and processing performance. Wireless network slicing should focus on the
efficiency of resource block while ensuring that key objectives such as spectrum
efficiency, system capacity, and network quality are not affected. With flexible frame
structure, QoS and RAN parameters reconfiguration, operator can provide
differentiated slicing functions.
The 3GPP-defined network slice management functions include communication
service management, network slice management, and network slice subnet management.
The communication service management function implements mapping of service

requirements to network slice requirements. The network slice management function
implements slice orchestration and management and decomposes the entire network
slicing SLA into different slice subnets (e.g., core network slices, RAN slices, bearer
network slices). The network slice subnet management function maps SLAs to network
service instances and configuration requirements and send them to MANO. Resource
scheduling of the bearer network will be achieved through cooperation with its
management system.
E2E network slicing is a foundation to support diversified 5G services and is
fundamental to 5G network architecture evolution. China Telecom will focus on
network slicing and its applications, also strengthen the design, layout, and
management of network slicing, such as the coordination of network slicing
management/network slicing subnet management with MANO and bearer network.
5.10 5G bearer network
The bearer network should meet the requirements of high data rate, low latency,
high reliability, and high-precision synchronization of the 5G network, and support the
flexible networking, network slicing, intelligent management and coordination.
The 5G bearer network should follow the principles of fixed mobile convergence,
comprehensive bearer, and sharing resources such as telecom room infrastructures and
bearer equipment as much as possible, to achieve rapid deployment at low cost and
form a differentiated competitive advantage for China Telecom.
The optical fiber cable network shall be planned and constructed according to the
user density and service requirements and shall become a unified physical bearer
network for fixed network and mobile network. China Telecom FTTx access network
mainly uses ring (access backbone) + tree (distribution+ drop) topology and makes full
use of existing optical fiber resources to achieve fronthaul and backhaul.
Based on the 5G RAN architecture, the 5G bearer network consists of the
following three parts:
 Fronthaul (AAU-DU): transmit data between AAU and DU;

 Middlehaul (DU-CU): transmit data between DU and CU;
 Backhaul (CU-core network): transmit data between CU and core network.
Due to CU/DU co-located solution is preferred in the initial stage of 5G RAN, the
5G bearer network will focus on the fronthaul and backhaul, as shown in Figure 5. And,
eCPRI-based fronthaul is a prior consideration.
A Fronthaul Backhaul
Large-scale A DU/CU
C-RAN U
Access office
A Fronthaul Backhaul Backhaul
Small-scale A DU/CU
C-RAN U Access and
Base station Ordinary
aggregation
room telecom
A office
Fronthaul Backhaul Backhaul building
D-RAN A DU/CU
U
Integrated A Backhaul Backhaul

DU/
A
base station U
CU
Figure 5 Bearer network segmentation for different RAN deployment architectures
Considering the structure of China Telecom's local optical fiber cable network and
the base station layout, the 5G RAN can be deployed in the following three modes:
 Large-scale C-RAN: The CU/DU are deployed together in the ordinary
telecom building/access and aggregation telecom room. The number of base
stations connected to a large concentration point is usually 10 to 60.
 Small-scale C-RAN：The CU/DU are deployed together in the access office.
The number of base stations connected to a small concentration point is
generally 5 to 10.
 D-RAN: The CU/DU are distributedly deployed in macro base stations, with
1 to 3 base stations accessed.
At present, more than half of the base stations of China Telecom's 4G network
adopt the BBU centralized deployment, which gives us sufficient experience in
construction and maintenance of this deployment mode. In actual deployment, the
economics of the construction and the convenience of operation and maintenance
should be evaluated based on the existing optical fiber resources and telecom room
conditions, and then make a choice between concentrated and distributed CU/DU.
Under the premise of sufficient resources and ensuring reliability of wireless network,
C-RAN is preferred to save the operational cost, realize rapid deployment of base
stations, and improve inter-base station cooperation efficiency.
For C-RAN scenario, China Telecom shall encourage vendors to develop high
density DU equipment to save space and reduce interconnection fibers and optical
interfaces. At the same time, it also needs to guarantee the reliability of the equipment.
In the 5G network, synchronization signal needs to be transmitted to the AAU. For
cost reasons, the clock source is expected to be deployed in the DU or even higher
position of the network, so the fronthaul and backhaul bearer must consider the
transmission requirement of the synchronization signal. Currently, SyncE, IEEE 1588,
and other synchronous transmission technologies can meet the 5G basic service
synchronization accuracy requirement (1.5us). Solutions for inter-site collaboration and
other high-precision synchronization requirements (indicators to be determined) need
further study.
5.10.1 Fronthaul solution

In a scenario where the optical fiber resources are sufficient, or D-RAN is
deployed, the 5G fronthaul is mainly based on point to point optical fiber connection.
In a scenario where the optical fiber resources are insufficient, or C-RAN is deployed,
WDM bearer technology is preferred.
Fiber connection shall use BiDi technology，which can save 50% optical fiber
resources and provide guarantees for high-precision synchronous transmission.
WDM is a proper technology to save fiber resources, which mainly includes
passive WDM, active WDM/M-OTN and WDM PON. (1) Passive WDM: Install the
colored light module on the AAU and DU devices, and achieve WDM functions
through passive splitter/combiners, which is less expensive, but maintenance ability is
weak. (2) Active WDM/M-OTN: Connects AAUs and DUs to WDM/M-OTN devices,
implements maintenance and management through M-OTN overhead, and it can
provide protection switching capability; (3) WDM-PON: In an FTTx point-to-

multipoint topology, the AAU is connected to a separate ONU device or an embedded
modular ONU (SFP+ module), and the DU is connected to the OLT.
5.10.2 Backhaul solution

For 5G backhaul, in the early stage, considering that the traffic is relatively light,
relatively mature IPRAN solution is suggested. Later, based on the service development,
OTN can be used in heavy traffic areas. PON technology can be used as a supplement
in some scenarios.
IPRAN reuses the 4G backhaul network architecture to support Layer 2 and Layer
3 flexible networking functions. It has many advantages including a well-developed
industrial chain, cross-manufacturer networking (in the same ring) capabilities, and
support of unified bearer of 4G/5G services. IPRAN can meet 5G requirements through
capacity expansion or upgrade. High-data-rate interfaces (such as 25GE/50GE) can be
considered in backhaul access layer on demand. FlexE can be introduced to support
network slicing. To further simplify the control protocols and enhance the flexible
scheduling capabilities, the EVPN, SR and SDN architecture can be used to optimize
automatic service provisioning and flexible adjustment. In long-distance transmission
scenarios, wavelength connection can be provided for IPRAN using WDM/OTN.
OTN can provide high data rate. Based on the existing ODUk hard pipe and
Ethernet/MPLS-TP packet processing capabilities, the industry is studying to further
enhance the routing function to meet the end-to-end flexible networking requirements
of 5G bearer. For deployed packet-enhanced OTN equipment based on the unified cell
switching, the enhanced routing function can reuse the existing switching card, but it is
necessary to develop a new type of routing card and upgrade the main control card. The
OTN solution can support tree topology by breaking the ring and configuration of
wavelength or ODUk fast channel to ensure high data rate and low latency of 5G
services. ITU-T is studying the simplified encapsulation of M-OTN and 25G/50G
FlexO interfaces to reduce the delay and cost of OTN equipment.
The PON solution is applicable to the backhaul scenarios where CU/DU is co-

located with AAU or CU/DU/AAU is integrated, which needs to support 10 Gbps and
above. ODN and OLT equipment of the FTTH network can be used to realize low-cost
and quick deployment.
5.10.3 Core network bearer solution

Compared to the 4G core network, due to network cloudification and introduction
of MEC, the main functions of the 5G core network are deployed in the regional DC at
the provincial center, and some functions will be moved to the metropolitan area
network, including the metro core DC, edge DC, and even in the access office, which
requires the bearer network to provide flexible routing functions. The interconnection
of 5G core network elements inside one province is provided by the backhaul network.
The inter-provincial connections need to be considered together with the DC
interconnection network.
5.11 Artificial Intelligence-powered 5G
Currently, data-driven AI field are facing great development opportunities and
focused by various industries. The 5G network architecture must be able to provide
sufficient flexibility, scalability, and programmability to meet different service needs,
which brings new challenges to the traditional way of relying heavily on manual
network deployment and operation. Therefore, mobile network in the 5G era can use
AI to change the network operation model and achieve intelligent 5G.
In the 5G era, AI can be used to change the network operation model in terms of
network management, resource scheduling, energy conservation and edge computing,
and promote the realization of intelligent 5G.
 Intelligent network slicing management: According to the prediction of user
behavior patterns, traffic models, and network status, operator can implement
flexible real time and firm-real time orchestration of network resource and
intelligent network slicing scale-in and scale-out.
 Intelligent network resource scheduling and configuration: AI can
automatically identify 5G coverage scenarios such as stadiums, business

districts, and train stations, and make predictions through traffic models, user
distribution, and other parameters, and then give optimal RAN parameter
configuration. Ultimately, operator can implement self-optimizing
configuration of 5G network, and effectively improve resource utilization and
user experience.
 Intelligent 5G energy conservation：Through statistical correlation analysis
of user behavior, service characteristics, traffic model, network coverage, and
other data, the idle time and busy time of the base stations can be accurately
predicted. Also, based on the actual network status and prediction results,
automatic sleep and wake-up operations of 5G base stations can be realized
and energy conservation of servers can be achieved while meeting service
needs.
 Intelligent 5G edge computing: AI-powered MEC at the edge of 5G network
can provide AI operation and analysis capabilities for 5G local applications.
For example, video analysis and image recognition have been widely used in
security, product testing, refined production operations, and medical care.
6 Summary and Prospect

To fulfill the 5G development target of China, China Telecom will conduct
research, launch trials and provide innovative applications according to national
strategy. As an integrated intelligent information service operator, China Telecom will
cooperate with all partners to jointly establish a collaborative, innovative and win-win
5G ecosystem.
In 5G era, China Telecom is committed to build a unified information
infrastructure platform based on 5G network for all walks of life. China Telecom is
working tirelessly to implement national strategies of “Network Powerful Nation” and
“Internet+”, and push forward “informatization drives industrialization,
industrialization promotes informatization”. China Telecom will pursue the target of
smart age and a better life.

Abbreviations
5GC 5th-generation Core

AAU Active Antenna Unit
ADC Analog-to-Digital Converter
AI Artificial Intelligence
AR Augmented Reality
ARPU Average Revenue Per User
BBU Baseband Unit
BiDi Bi-Directional
CDN Content Delivery Network
CP-OFDM Cyclic Prefix Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing
CPRI Common Public Radio Interface
C-RAN Centralized RAN
CRS Cell Reference Signal
CSI-RS Channel Status Information-Reference signal
CU Central Unit
DAC Digital-to-Analog Converter
DC Data Center
DFT-S-OFDM Discrete Fourier Transform-Spread-Orthogonal Frequency Division
Multiplexing
DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal
D-RAN Distributed RAN
DU Distributed Unit
eCPRI Enhanced Common Public Radio Interface
eLTE Evolved LTE
eMBB enhanced Mobile Broadband
EPC Evolved Packet Core
EVPN Ethernet Virtual Private Network
FlexE Flexible Ethernet
FlexO Flexible Optical Transport Network
FTTH Fiber To The Home
FTTx Fiber To The X
GaN Gallium Nitride
GPS Global Positioning System
HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest
HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol
IMT International Mobile Telecommunications
JSON JavaScript Object Notation
LDPC Low Density Parity Check Code
LTE Long Term Evolution
MAC Media Access Control
MANO Management and Orchestration
MIMO Multiple-Input Multiple-Output
MEC Multi-access Edge Computing
MME Mobility Management Entity
mMTC massive Machine Type Communications
M-OTN Mobile-optimized Optical Transport Network
MPLS Multi-Protocol Label Switching
MU-MIMO Multi-User Multiple-Input Multiple-Output
NEF Network Exposure Function
NFV Network Function Virtualization
NFVI NFV Infrastructure
NR New Radio
NSA Non-Standalone
ODN Optical Distribution Network
ODUk Optical Channel Data Unit-k
OLT Optical Line Terminal
ONU Optical Network Unit
OTN Optical Transport Network
PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol
PHY Physical Layer
PON Passive Optical Network
PTRS Phase-tracking reference signals
QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
QoE Quality of Experience
QoS Quality of Service
RAN Radio Access Network
RAT Radio Access Technology

RLC Radio Link Control
ROI Return On Investment
RRC Radio Resource Control
SA Standalone
SDN Software Defined Network
SFP Small Form-factor Pluggable
SLA Service Level Agreement
SR Segment Routing
SRS Sounding Reference Signal
SyncE Synchronous Ethernet
TCP Transmission Control Protocol
TLS Transport Layer Security
UE User Equipment
UPF User Plane Function
URLLC Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications
VIM Virtualised Infrastructure Manager
VNFM VNF Manager
VoLTE Voice over LTE
VoNR Voice over NR
VR Virtual Reality
WDM Wavelength Division Multiplexing
WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

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China Telecom 5G Technology

©2018 China Telecom Copyright II

“actively promoting the fifth-generation mobile communication (5G) and ultra-

wideband key technologies, launching 5G commercial use”. To implement such

proposals, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) re-emphasized in

its blueprint “Development Planning for Information and Communication Industry

(2016-2020)” released in January 2017 to support 5G standard research, technical trial

technology in the 13th Five-Year period.

5G is a basic platform for leading technological innovation, realizing industrial

upgrading and developing the new economy. As an operator of national information

infrastructure, China Telecom undertakes the important mission to implement network

operation innovation. It will ultimately facilitate transformation 3.0 strategy and

promote implementation of CTNet2025 network transformation, fulfilling the long-

term development of the enterprise.

construction scheme and operation model of 5G network based on service requirements,

future network architecture and main challenges in 5G development. China Telecom

build a robust 5G ecosystem. Driven by 5G innovation, China Telecom will further

push forward the development of “smart network, ecological business, intelligent

2 Requirements and Challenges

2.1 Requirements of service development

1 ©2018 China Telecom Copyright

establish the foundation of digital transformation of society and economy.

Broadband), mMTC (massive Machine Type Communication), and URLLC (Ultra

differentiated requirements on multiple key indicators, thus 5G needs to support the

customized combination of reliability, delay, throughput, positioning, billing, security

“Internet of everything” by providing differentiated security services for diversified

usage scenarios and protect user privacy.

Typical applications of eMBB include ultra-high-definition video (UHDV), VR

applications are also time-sensitive, for example, the immersive experience of VR

demands 10 milliseconds level delay.

Typical applications of URLLC include auto-control, drone control and automatic

latency requirements of automatic drive and industrial manufacture are millisecond

delay, but the terminals need to adapt to drastic environmental changes.

©2018 China Telecom Copyright 2

2.2.1 Challenges of radio chipset

processing unit, ADC/DAC, frequency converter, RF front-end, etc.

processing capability of 5G system and terminal, and consequently leads to more

challenges on the baseband chip technique.

effective methods such as ceramic filter or miniaturization of cavity filter, etc.

meet the higher performance requirements of active and passive component.

2.2.2 Challenges of multi-access convergence

generation to the fourth generation. The commercial network gradually forms a

complex situation of multiple radio technologies, diverse spectrum utilization and

become a prominent characteristic. In 5G era, several types of networks in an operator

multi-access network, while satisfying the technical indicators and application

scenarios of 5G, becomes the main technical challenge of 5G multi-network

 Challenge of network architecture. The multi-network convergence

architecture of 5G will consist of multiple radio access networks and core

reducing complexity of network upgrade and influence on existing network

 Challenge of traffic offloading. The traffic offloading mechanism in 5G multi-

network convergence requires to transmit user plane data flexibly and

efficiently in different access networks and minimize the impact on the

underlying transmission of each access network. Meanwhile, effective

offloading hierarchy selection is required according to scenarios and

performance, such as core network, IP or PDCP sublayer.

 Challenge of connection and mobility control. 5G has more complex

application scenarios, more access technologies, and higher mobility

performance requirements. Compared with 4G, the connection management

2.2.3 Challenges of flexible network architecture

technology, 5G achieve virtualized and cloudified deployment. However, the container

provide sufficient isolation. Combining network modularization and control and

forwarding separation, service-oriented 5G network can be rapidly deployed according

to different service requirements, dynamically scale-in and scale-out, and lifecycle

management of network slices, such as end-to-end flexible network slicing, adaptive